WARNING: MegaPost- The mining industry needs video games...
I'm a gamer and a geo, and I've always wondered why the two hadn't overlapped effectively.
Here I look at some tangential examples from
GIANTS Software
and their wildly popular Farming Simulator series and how they might be applied to mining.
Specifically, their long term strategy has developed into an industry supporting ecosystem:
- 📈 Massive following and fandom of hyper-realistic simulations
- 🚜 Deals and features with over 75 OEMs, including
John Deere
.
- 🎓 Integrated and research-backed programs to improve the agricultural industry's upskilling and recruitment efforts.
So let's port this over to mining!
- 🖥️ Use our digital twin concepts and engineering expertise to partner with a software gaming developer
- 🚚 Start cutting OEM deals with
Caterpillar Inc.
,
Komatsu
, and others.
- 👷♂️ Build an enthusiastic and educated pipeline that knows how our systems work even before they begin formal training.
This concept is starting to gain traction in mining:
-
Empie Strydom
had
DMS Mining Studios
CEO
Paul Ehlers
on the podcast to discuss gamification in mining (link in comments)
-
Elizabeth Freeman
built a mining video game w/
Replit
and posted about it (comments)
-
Rio Tinto
and
Viewport XR
used VR to slash onboarding time and costs. The case study is referenced and linked in my article.
- And I know the OEM's are working quietly in stealth and in silos on this, but there's a proven model in a tangential industry.
Why not use it as a guide?
If I called you out in this post I dare you to comment.
The Mining Simulator Video Game Series? | Jack Kellner | 36 comments
Jack Kellner
Verified Source
2026-02-05
3 min read
Source
WARNING: MegaPost- The mining
GasGx Analysis
Title: The Mining Simulator Video Game Series?
In the realm of mining, where the rigors of nature and the relentless pursuit of efficiency converge, a new paradigm is emerging. Jack Kellner's insightful article, "The Mining Simulator Video Game Series?", delves into the intersection of gaming and mining, offering a tantalizing glimpse into the future of this industry. This essay will explore the implications of this intersection, examining how video games can be leveraged to revolutionize the mining sector.
Firstly, let us consider the concept of digital twins in mining. These are virtual replicas of real-world assets that can be used to simulate operations, optimize performance, and make data-driven decisions. By leveraging digital twin concepts and engineering expertise, mining companies can partner with software gaming developers to create immersive simulations that allow miners to experience the challenges and rewards of their work firsthand. This approach has already gained traction in the mining industry, with Empie StrydomhadDMS Mining Studios CEO Paul Ehlerson discussing gamification in mining in a podcast (link in comments).
Secondly, the integration of OEM deals with Caterpillar Inc., Komatsu, and others is another promising avenue for mining companies looking to expand their reach. By building an enthusiastic and educated pipeline that understands how their systems work even before they begin formal training, mining companies can establish strong partnerships with these leading manufacturers. This approach not only enhances operational efficiency but also fosters a sense of community among miners, creating a sense of belonging and pride in their work.
Thirdly, the use of VR technology to slash onboarding time and costs is another innovative solution being explored by mining companies. Rio Tinto and Viewport XR have utilized VR to streamline onboarding processes, reducing the time and cost associated with hiring new employees. This case study serves as a testament to the potential of VR in streamlining operations across various industries, including mining.
Finally, the emergence of mining video games as a legitimate industry is a testament to the growing interest in this field. Elizabeth Freeman's creation of a mining video game with Replit and her subsequent publication of it in the comments section demonstrates the potential of this niche market. While the OEMs are working quietly in silos on this, there's a proven model in a tangential industry that could serve as a blueprint for other industries.
In conclusion, the intersection of gaming and mining presents a unique opportunity for innovation and growth. By leveraging digital twins, OEM deals, VR technology, and mining video games, mining companies can transform their operations, improve efficiency, and foster a sense of community among miners. As Jack Kellner points out in his article, this approach is not just about making money; it's about creating a sustainable and thriving industry that values the hard work and dedication of its workforce.
In the realm of mining, where the rigors of nature and the relentless pursuit of efficiency converge, a new paradigm is emerging. Jack Kellner's insightful article, "The Mining Simulator Video Game Series?", delves into the intersection of gaming and mining, offering a tantalizing glimpse into the future of this industry. This essay will explore the implications of this intersection, examining how video games can be leveraged to revolutionize the mining sector.
Firstly, let us consider the concept of digital twins in mining. These are virtual replicas of real-world assets that can be used to simulate operations, optimize performance, and make data-driven decisions. By leveraging digital twin concepts and engineering expertise, mining companies can partner with software gaming developers to create immersive simulations that allow miners to experience the challenges and rewards of their work firsthand. This approach has already gained traction in the mining industry, with Empie StrydomhadDMS Mining Studios CEO Paul Ehlerson discussing gamification in mining in a podcast (link in comments).
Secondly, the integration of OEM deals with Caterpillar Inc., Komatsu, and others is another promising avenue for mining companies looking to expand their reach. By building an enthusiastic and educated pipeline that understands how their systems work even before they begin formal training, mining companies can establish strong partnerships with these leading manufacturers. This approach not only enhances operational efficiency but also fosters a sense of community among miners, creating a sense of belonging and pride in their work.
Thirdly, the use of VR technology to slash onboarding time and costs is another innovative solution being explored by mining companies. Rio Tinto and Viewport XR have utilized VR to streamline onboarding processes, reducing the time and cost associated with hiring new employees. This case study serves as a testament to the potential of VR in streamlining operations across various industries, including mining.
Finally, the emergence of mining video games as a legitimate industry is a testament to the growing interest in this field. Elizabeth Freeman's creation of a mining video game with Replit and her subsequent publication of it in the comments section demonstrates the potential of this niche market. While the OEMs are working quietly in silos on this, there's a proven model in a tangential industry that could serve as a blueprint for other industries.
In conclusion, the intersection of gaming and mining presents a unique opportunity for innovation and growth. By leveraging digital twins, OEM deals, VR technology, and mining video games, mining companies can transform their operations, improve efficiency, and foster a sense of community among miners. As Jack Kellner points out in his article, this approach is not just about making money; it's about creating a sustainable and thriving industry that values the hard work and dedication of its workforce.
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